"There's a lot of things you could say," Magyera said. "But the heat isn't an excuse. We just needed to be more geared up."

Despite the physical and emotional strain of the spring season, the players said they remain upbeat about the upcoming NCAA regional. Tournament bids will be announced Wednesday.

"We'll probably get a No. 4 seed and will have to play a No. 1," Graham said. "But by then, we'll be ready and excited. The intensity will be back."

"Our focus has been to win Ivies and get to the NCAA's, and that's where we're heading," Magyera said. "This loss won't hurt us, and it may possibly help us. We need to be ready every day, and be on top of every point."

A win over regional rival B.U. might have helped Harvard's seed in the national picture, but it's hard to tell.

"We'll get a tough draw no matter what," Broughton said.

With two weeks off until regional, the Crimson will rest and try to recover from regular season injuries.

Most importantly, captain and No. 1 player Ivy Wang, who has missed much of this season with a shoulder injury, may be able to return for the NCAA round.

"We're hopeful, I've got my fingers crossed," Graham said. "But it's her call, it's her body. We know she's doing all she can to get back." HARVARD  1 BOSTON U.  5